University of ParmaMedicine and Surgery (Piacenza Campus)
Discover a unique, internationally-focused medical program on a dedicated campus, where the resources of a historic university meet an intimate, modern learning environment.
Parma-Piacenza at a Glance
As a newer program with a unique campus, Parma-Piacenza has a competitive but distinct applicant pool. Below are the approximate minimum scores for admission in recent years.
Tuition fees at the University of Parma are income-based, making it an affordable option for many students.
- Minimum Fee: approx. €156 per year.
- Standard Range: €400 - €2,200 per year.
- Maximum Fee (Highest Income): approx. €2,650 per year.
- Scholarships and financial aid are available through ER.GO regional services.
The 6-year single-cycle Master's Degree in Medicine and Surgery in Piacenza is a new and innovative program offered by the ancient University of Parma. It is uniquely structured with a dedicated campus and hospital system exclusively for the English-taught course. This avoids competition for resources with Italian-track students and creates a tight-knit, international community. The curriculum has a strong global health perspective, preparing doctors to understand and operate within different healthcare systems worldwide, a crucial skill in modern medicine.
Educational Philosophy
The program's philosophy is centered on creating a "global physician." It combines a strong, integrated science curriculum with an emphasis on communication, health economics, and management. A distinctive feature is the focus on comparative healthcare systems, with opportunities for international training in the final year. The dedicated campus fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment, with a high faculty-to-student ratio.
Key Competencies Developed
- Global Health Literacy: In-depth understanding of diverse international healthcare models.
- Exclusive Clinical Access: Unrestricted access to clinical rotations in a dedicated hospital.
- Health Management Skills: Knowledge of health economics and management principles.
- Strong Communication: Emphasis on patient communication and interprofessional collaboration.
- Adaptability: Preparedness for international careers and diverse clinical settings.
Year 1-3: Foundations & Mechanisms
Building the fundamental scientific knowledge, from the cellular level to the complexity of human anatomy and disease processes.
- • Human Morphology
- • Cell and Molecular Biology
- • Basic Medical Sciences
- • Medical Humanities
- • Structure and Function of Organs
- • Pathogens and Immune System
- • Mechanisms of Disease
Year 4-5: Clinical Disciplines & Global Health
Deep dive into major clinical disciplines through integrated clerkships, with a unique focus on international health systems.
- • Cardiovascular and Respiratory
- • Endocrine, Renal, and Blood
- • Skeletal System
- • Digestive System
- • Neurosciences
- • Oncology & Dermatology
- • Maternal & Child Health
- • Public Health & Health Systems
Year 6: International Practice & Thesis
Final year dedicated almost entirely to practical clinical work, with options for training abroad, culminating in the final thesis.
- • General Medicine & Surgery
- • Emergency Medicine
- • Clinical Clerkship VI
- • International Training Period
- • Thesis Preparation
- • Final Examination
A Medical Student's Life in Piacenza
Enjoy a high quality of life in a beautiful and safe historic city, known for its superb food and strategic location in the heart of Northern Italy.
Piacenza offers affordable student housing compared to larger cities. Students can find rooms in shared apartments or choose dedicated student residences, all within a compact and easily navigable city.
Cost: €300 - €500/month
Located in Emilia-Romagna, Italy's "Food Valley," Piacenza offers an incredible culinary experience. The city has a relaxed pace of life, with a beautiful historic center, friendly locals, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
Cost: €250 - €400/month
Piacenza is perfectly positioned. It's just 30-40 minutes by train to Milan and about an hour to Bologna, offering easy access to major cities and airports while providing a quieter, more focused study environment.
Train to Milan: ~€7
Studying in Parma-Piacenza: Pros & Cons
Dedicated Campus: A hospital and campus just for the English program means no competition for clinical spots.
International Focus: The curriculum is uniquely designed to prepare students for a global medical career.
High Quality of Life: Enjoy the excellent food, safety, and relaxed atmosphere of Piacenza.
Strategic Location: Close to Milan and Bologna, offering the best of a small town with easy access to big cities.
Newer Program: As a recently established course, it is still building its international reputation.
Split Identity: Being a Parma course in Piacenza can sometimes cause minor administrative confusion.
Quieter City: Piacenza is smaller and has a much quieter social scene than a major city like Milan or Rome.
Less Name Recognition: The Piacenza campus might be less known internationally than the main Parma university.
The Application Journey
Your step-by-step guide and key contacts to apply to the Parma-Piacenza program.
Admission is based entirely on the IMAT score. The dedicated campus makes it an attractive option, so a competitive score is necessary.
Step 1: Pre-enrollment on Universitaly (April-July)
Mandatory for all non-EU candidates. You must select the University of Parma as your first choice.
Step 2: Register for IMAT (August-September)
Register for the exam via the official testing portal. The exam is typically held in mid-September.
Step 3: Check Rankings & Enroll (October)
Successful candidates in the national ranking must follow Parma's specific enrollment procedures promptly.
Step 4 (Non-EU): Apply for Student Visa
Use the admission letter to apply for a Type D student visa at your local Italian consulate.
Contact Details
medicine.surgery@unipr.it
corsi.unipr.it/en/cdlm-ms